The Trade Development Authority of Pakistan’s Quetta office organized a seminar titled Central Asia Market Access: Opportunities in Balochistan Export Sector at the Quetta Chamber of Commerce and Industry, bringing together traders, exporters, entrepreneurs, and representatives from relevant government departments to explore the untapped potential of Central Asian markets for Balochistan’s diverse export base. The session opened with a welcome note by Mola Dad, Deputy Director of TDAP Quetta, followed by a presentation by Asif Abro, Assistant Director at TDAP, who outlined Balochistan’s export potential across sectors including fisheries, livestock, halal meat, fruits, minerals, and pharmaceuticals, while emphasizing that Gwadar Port represents a critical gateway through which the province can access Central Asian markets.
Participants were briefed on available trade corridors passing through Afghanistan, Iran, and China, as well as existing trade agreements that Pakistani exporters can leverage to improve market access in the region. TDAP outlined the forms of assistance it is positioned to offer to exporters, covering market intelligence, logistics support, trade promotion, and certification facilitation, areas where smaller exporters and entrepreneurs in Balochistan have historically lacked the institutional support needed to compete effectively in international markets. The question-and-answer session, led by Noor Ali Achakzai, Director of TDAP Quetta, surfaced a range of practical concerns from participants including visa delays, a shortage of licensed slaughterhouse facilities, licensing complications, transport constraints, and customs processing delays, all of which were addressed by officials present at the event. Suggestions raised during the session were noted and agreed to be shared with the relevant authorities for follow-up action.
The seminar drew notable participation from young entrepreneurs, which officials described as an encouraging sign of growing interest among the next generation of business community members in pursuing export-oriented opportunities. Mir Wais, Vice President of the Chamber of Commerce, acknowledged TDAP’s organizing efforts and underlined the importance of sustained collaboration between the state and the private sector as the foundation for meaningful export growth. The session concluded with a collective commitment from participants and officials that Balochistan should be developed into a regional export hub connecting Pakistan with Central Asian markets through improved physical connectivity, supportive policy changes, and a more business-friendly environment for exporters and entrepreneurs operating out of the province.
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